EUGENE, OREGON - JUNE 30: Nikki Hiltz celebrates crossing the finish line to win the women's 1500 meter final on Day Ten of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials at Hayward Field on June 30, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Nikki Hiltz, an American transgender runner, has made history by qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s 1500m final, running a record-breaking time of 3:55.53.
“Yesterday afternoon in Eugene Oregon a childhood dream of mine came true. I’m not sure when this will fully sink in… All I know is today I’m waking up just so grateful for my people, overwhelmed by all the love and support, and filled with joy that I get to race people I deeply love and respect around a track for a living,” Hiltz shared through an Instagram post.
“This is bigger than just me,” Hiltz told CBS Sports. “It’s the last day of Pride Month, and I wanted to run this one for my community. All the LGBTQ folks, you guys brought me home that last 100. I could just feel the love and support.”
Hiltz will be joined by Emily Mackay, who finished second with a time of 3:55.90, and Elle St. Pierre, who took third with a time of 3:55.99. The trio of runners represent a strong representation of the women’s Olympic distance running team, showing the depth of talent in American middle-distance running.
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The journey to this point has been filled with determination. Hiltz’s previous accolade of winning a silver medal in the 1500m at the Indoor World Championships in March was a warm-up to this Olympic qualification.
As the women’s 1500m event at the Paris Olympics approaches, set to begin on August 6 at 4:05 a.m. ET, anticipation builds for Hiltz and their teammates.
Some sports, like World Swimming, have restricted trans athletes from competing in the Olympics.
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